Acumen Fund Founder confirmed as keynote speaker for DUBAI+acumen Chapter event

Taking place at the Capital Club, DIFC, the event has attracted participation from both established and emerging figures and organisations in the social entrepreneurship and philanthropic worlds within the region.

A panel discussion aimed at clarifying the distinction between philanthropy and social entrepreneurship, and identifying opportunities for mutual growth and partnership, particularly in the Middle East is expected to generate healthy debate. Joining Jacqueline Novogratz on the panel are Clare Woodcraft, CEO of Emirates Foundation, Masood Razaq, Founder of GoodGate, and Leena Al Olaimy, co-founder and Managing Director of 3BL Associates (Triple Bottom Line). The discussion will be moderated by Danish Farhan, Chairman of Xische Holdings.

"In our over ten years of investing across Africa and South Asia, we have come to appreciate the various types of support that social enterprises require when creating new systems and solutions for the underserved," said Ms. Novogratz.

"Access to different types of capital - including philanthropy - is essential to create sustainable, scalable organizations that deliver affordable products and services to the poor,"

In addition to the panel discussion, the evening will include a segment showcasing successful regional social enterprises including the Sougha initiative of The Khalifa Fund and Palestyle.

Founded by Jacqueline Novogratz in 2001, Acumen Fund has created a proven model that combines the best of charity and markets to change the way the world tackles poverty. With US$81million of approved investments in 72 breakthrough enterprises that serve the poor, Acumen Fund has touched the lives of tens of millions of people.

DUBAI+acumen is one of 17 self-organized, volunteer-run chapters around the world, made up of passionate volunteers working to share and apply Acumen Fund principles and approach to help create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Since the chapter's inception in 2009, DUBAI+acumen has worked to boost awareness of social entrepreneurship in the region and build a sustainable and supportive community of changemakers focused on social enterprise within Dubai and around the Middle East.

Sponsored by The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, the UAE's largest SME-related fund; leading logistics company Aramex and Cummins Inc., a Fortune 500 corporation specialising in engines and related technologies; the DUBAI+acumen event takes place on Tuesday, 23 October at 7:00pm at the Capital Club, DIFC. Open to the public, capacity is limited and reservations are essential.